do you *love* the art you create?

Besides your blogs, flickr photos and the things I find during my treasure hunts, I'm looking to books as a major source of (re)inspiration these days. Lately, it's been the The Creative Family by SouleMama that's been my guide of sorts propped conveniently on my bedside table. Sometimes finding it's way to the coffee table. And even appearing in my purse, you know, for those quick lunch time reads.

One of the ideas she discusses is this learned concept that art has to be "beautiful" and how that inhibits us from creating at all. As we grow from our creative childhoods, we're taught that art has to follow rules and techniques and that it's possible for the end "product" to be "wrong" or ugly. She challenges her readers to create art purely as a form of expression and nothing else. Letting go of the need to make it beautiful.

This is something that I've struggled with quite a bit. And I'm learning to let go of that hyper-critical voice inside of me keeping me from developing my ideas on paper...with paint...or on wood...with found fabrics or whatever catches my attention and sets my creativity free.

Comments

[erin]

i think it's hard to let go of that inner voice at times. i'd be well served to ignore it and go with the flow more often myself.
i like your piece. the yellow is so lovely with those neutral fabrics.

[Cassy]

That piece is very unique and beautiful. When it comes to knitting sometimes I find that things in my vision don't translate to reality because I don't know enough about the process and structure of things yet. I one tried to make a shibori bowl and it was HORRIBLE. Ha ha. That kind of technique and structure don't go together.

[Marisol]

Welcome Back! Hope all is well:)